In her inaugural announcement as Delhi Chief Minister, Atishi announced a significant increase in minimum wage rates on September 25. The new rates are set at ₹18,066 for unskilled workers, ₹19,929 for semi-skilled workers, and ₹21,917 for skilled labourers. This decision was made during her first press conference since taking office. 

CM Atishi commended her predecessor, Arvind Kejriwal, noting that under his leadership, the AAP government has established the highest minimum wages in the country for city labourers. “If you look at the minimum wages across the country, Arvind Kejriwal's government has provided the highest minimum wages in the country,” she stated. 

“To stop the exploitation of poor people, the Delhi government has raised the minimum wage to a historic level. The BJP has always worked against the poor, and this can be seen in two ways,” Atishi stated. 

She criticised the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), labelling them as "anti-poor" and pointing out the wage disparities in states governed by the BJP. “BJP-ruled states often have minimum wages that are probably half of what they are in Delhi,” she emphasized. 

Atishi also discussed the history of the minimum wage struggle in Delhi, recalling, “The first time Arvind Kejriwal's government proposed increasing the minimum wage in 2016-2017, the BJP stopped us. The Delhi government subsequently obtained a court order to raise the minimum wage. The BJP strongly opposed it, but Arvind Kejriwal's government fought for a decision in favour of the common people of Delhi.” 

She reiterated the government’s commitment to revising these minimum wages twice a year, ensuring ongoing support for the labour force in the unorganised sector in Delhi. 

New Chief Minister Atishi expressed her dedication to improving living standards for workers despite facing challenges from the BJP. 

She assumed office on September 22, following AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal's resignation on September 17. 

Arvind Kejriwal, who was recently out on bail from Tihar Jail in connection with the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy case, stated that he would only return to office with a renewed mandate and a "certificate of honesty" from the people of Delhi in the upcoming assembly elections, expected in February 2025. 

Image source: NDTV